These days, I’m all about simplicity, multitasking, and efficiency. My schedule doesn’t lend itself to a lot of free time, and (let’s be honest) my budget doesn’t have tons of freedom either. That means my decisions have to save me time and money. So I was really excited when some great girlfriends introduced me to LuLaRoe, a “stylishly comfortable” line of clothing run by women for women. I’m not sure how I hadn’t heard of it until now, but after looking into it a bit, I saw that it’s sweeping across the country and making its way into the closets of tens of thousands of fashion-savvy gals!

The clothes are simple, stylish, and affordable, but what drew me in hook, line, and sinker was the comfort. They offer several styles of tees, skirts, dresses, and leggings, and they’re all unbelievably comfortable. You guys, I swear I feel like I’m wearing yoga pants even in their pencil skirts. No matter what I have on my to-do list, I know I can throw on a LuLaRoe piece and be comfortable all day long while still looking put-together.

Now, you know I’m a relatively simple girl when it comes to style. I like to have fun with fashion, but my go-to looks are almost always comprised of some concoction of basics. I have to really love a print to commit to it, and some of the LuLaRoe patterns are a little out of my personal comfort zone, but this Cassie style cheetah print skirt? This was smack dab in the middle of my comfort zone. It just crawled right up into my lap and begged me to take it home.

So today, for all you ladies on-the-go, I’m showing you the LuLaRoe Cassie skirt styled three ways: The Professional, The Weekender, and The Happy Hour.

The Professional

Take your Cassie skirt to the office by pairing it with a clean, white tee and topping it with a blazer. Step into some pumps, grab your coffee, and go! Not only will you look chic and put-together, but you’ll be comfortable and confident that you won’t be tugging your skirt down all day. Plus, with LuLaRoe’s thick, stretchy fabric, you don’t even have to undo that top button after eating your lunch burrito. Go for the extra guac, my friends. Live it up. No one’s judging.

The Weekender

The Cassie skirt isn’t just for Monday through Friday. Kick off your stilettos and lace up your little white sneakers. Your early morning coffee run just got a little more chic! Pair it with a knit sweater and your favorite weekend shopper tote and run your errands in style. From the supermarket to the park, you’re set with this look.

The Happy Hour

Whether it’s the weekend or just 5:00 somewhere, grab drinks with the ladies in the Cassie skirt. The slim silhouette looks great with a relaxed tank and some statement baubles. Drape a leather jacket over your shoulders in the chillier months (or just in the chilly a/c… I’m looking at you, Miami) and glam up your feetsies with some metallic pumps and you’re set for a night out with your besties.

How To Get It

Wondering how you can get your hands on your own Cassie skirt? You have a few options. LuLaRoe offers boutique-style shopping through their representatives. My gals, Marelys and Janelle, recently started up their LuLaRoe shop called Sparkle & Roe Boutique and offer the clothing for purchase on their Facebook site (it’s a closed group, but just send a request and you’re in!) OR you can sign up to host a pop-up shop and earn free clothes! Host a few of your favorite ladies and browse the merchandise from the comfort of your own home (maybe while sipping on some bubbly?). Marelys and Janelle are Miami locals, but they will ship to those of you who don’t live in the 3-0-5. (Psst – be on the lookout for some Black Friday deals. You won’t want to miss it!)

So, tell me… what are your thoughts on the LuLaRoe Cassie skirt? Which look is your favorite, and how would you style it? Also, call me when you’re grabbing that lunch burrito. I want to get in on that extra guac. Have a great weekend, friends! Xo!

We all know the importance of having a great Little Black Dress (LBD) in our sartorial arsenal. They’re perfect for almost any occasion — never too dressed up or too casual. I have a few I always fall back on when the dress code of an event is unclear, and it usually ends up looking far more chic than I feel. While shopping in New York City last week, I found this Little Black Sweater Dress, and instantly loved it. I’m not always a fan of a sweater dress, honestly. I often feel a little matronly in most styles I’ve tried, but there was something very modern about this one. Plus, the lack of sleeves sold me, since it’s basically the only way I can justify wearing a giant turtleneck in Miami. (Guys, WHEN are we going to catch a break down here?? I mean, it’s November, and we’re still lingering in the upper 80’s. No bueno.)I found this dress at Forever 21 for a STEAL. Like, cheaper than my morning coffee. It was on clearance in black, plus I had a tiny amount left on a gift card. I had no choice. It came home with me. Unfortunately, the black is sold out online, but it is available in a brick red, which is PERFECT for the holiday season! I can picture wearing it to my next Friendsgiving. (Sidebar: want to learn how to host your own Friendsgiving? Learn how over at A Sparkle Factor!)

I was excited to wear my new Little Black Sweater Dress in NYC, so I chose to layer a simple black longsleeve tee underneath and also paired it with black opaque tights and over-the-knee boots. I wanted to give it a try here in Miami, so I made a couple easy tweaks to the outfit. I 86’ed the tee and tights, and paired it with peep-toe ankle boots to keep it a little lighter. I’ll admit, it was still a little heavy for a sunny Miami day, but I can’t wait to wear it in the evenings when the temperature drops to at least (::gasp) 70 degrees.

If you love this look, you can shop the style directly by clicking the photos below! My ankle boots are from Old Navy and aren’t available online anymore, so I linked TONS of affordable styles that are very similar. I also linked the exact dress I’m wearing (but in the brick color) as well as a few other similar styles.

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What do you think about the Little Black Sweater Dress? How would you choose to style it? The possibilities really are endless!

I had such an amazing getaway last week in NYC with my best friend, and I’m excited to share with you all a small glimpse of some of the fun we had! That week in the City was a much needed break from reality. Although it wasn’t exactly restful in the I’m-sitting-on-a-beach-sipping-margaritas sense, it was rejuvenating and invigorating. We filled every minute, and didn’t waste time doing foolish things like sleeping (an option we probably should have reconsidered). In this post, I’ll be sharing with you a sample of what we did, where we ate, and what I wore.

First off, the weather was PERFECT. Fall is my favorite time of year. The air is crisp and cool without being too chilly, the trees are all gilded in gold and orange, and a hint of the holidays is on the horizon. Lyla would visit me all the time when Jonny and I lived in NYC, but this was her first time in the City during the Fall. I was so excited to share my favorite season in my favorite city with her, and now I’m excited to share these moments with you!

Almost all of these pictures were taken on our iPhones, despite being prepared with a great travel DSLR. These snapshots were taken on-the-go, and I don’t regret enjoying the moments in real time rather than through a camera lens, even if I had to sacrifice the quality of photos for quality of memories.

After an absurdly long wait at the airport, and a near-miss with lost luggage, we kicked off our trip by checking into The New Yorker Hotel. Jonny is a wizard when it comes to booking airfare and hotels on the cheap, and he scored us this hotel basically for free. We had a view of the Empire State Building, Times Square, Madison Square Garden, The Freedom Tower, and The Statue of Liberty all from our lofty corner room! Even after living there for two years, I couldn’t pretend I wasn’t psyched about those views!

What We Did

Brooklyn Bridge – I love walking the bridge when the weather is nice, and it helps that my favorite pizza place happens to be right at the finish line (well, almost). It’s a well-deserved treat after the long walk.

Window shopping at Chelsea Market, South Street Seaport, and SoHo. The seaport has gone downhill quite a bit since we lived there, and seems to be perpetually under construction, but they still have a few little pop up shops that are fun to stroll past. Chelsea Market also has some fun little finds, especially if you’re in the market for dainty little accessories or vintage baubles. And then SoHo somehow makes you feel super important and super poor, all at the same time. But it’s still fun to browse through all the designer merch.

Central Park – We strolled through the park at every opportunity and even took a bike tour on a rickshaw (super touristy, I know. I don’t even mind admitting that it was so fun! I learned a lot about the park from our helpful tour guide. I’m pretty sure we broke his bike though. Sorry, Yousef!)

Taylor Swift’s SoHo apartment – Wait, what? I wasn’t supposed to admit that, but fine. I’ll own it. I’ve been a long time fan (circa 2006, when her hair was a frizzy perm and she was strumming an acoustic to lyrics she wrote in Algebra class). It’s just nice to see she’s doing well for herself these days, and I thought I’d check in. Moving right along. Nothing to see here, people.

The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon – Joining the audience for a live taping definitely requires some prep work, but it was so worth it! Lyla and I are both big fans of Jimmy Fallon. (Ok, did I redeem myself for that awkward little Taylor Swift moment?) This was so worth the battle of securing tickets months in advance!

Le Bain Rooftop – This place can get a little “iffy” afterhours, but the night view of the city from the rooftop is amazing. We sipped some champagne early in the evening before it got overcrowded.

230 Fifth Rooftop – This was our favorite spot for a fun night out. The views are INCREDIBLE, and the white peach martini doesn’t disappoint. On chilly nights, they even offer robes to keep you roasty toasty. We may or may not have sampled them ourselves.

The High Line – We ambled along this mile and a half long elevated park and took in the views. It’s pretty cool to see how they converted an old unused railroad line into a park. It’s also a nice, quiet break from the busy city below.

P.D.T. – Slipping into this kitschy speakeasy isn’t the easiest. And truth be told, the process of getting into the not so secret bar through a telephone booth in a hotdog shop is far more thrilling than actually spending any amount of time there. Nevertheless, it was a fun thing to check off our list. Don’t bother going without reservations unless you’re prepared to wait close to an hour and a half for less-than-desirable drinks.

Broadway – It would be a shame to visit Manhattan and not see a Broadway play or musical. I love the theatre, and was psyched when we won the ticket lottery to see Aladdin the Musical! For just $30, we saw the matinee show, and it was amazing. It may have made the cut in my Top 5 favorite plays/musicals. (Check out this site for more info on the Broadway rush lottery. I have my friend, Sarah, to thank for the tip!)

Where We Ate

Pure Thai Cookhouse on 9th Ave b/w 51st and 52nd St – Lyla is a huge fan of Thai food, so we ate here more than once. It’s amazing and affordable! Try any flavor of the sticky rice for dessert. I’m sad I’m not eating it at this exact moment.

Magnolia Bakery – Cupcakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, please and thank you. The original West Village location is my favorite.

Morimoto – an upscale Japanese restaurant with specialty dishes in the Meatpacking District. If you’re gonna splurge on dinner, this is the place to do it.

Best Bagel & Coffee on 35th Street b/w 7th and 8th Ave – I couldn’t get enough of the breakfast sandwiches. Their bagels are divine and loaded with schmear.

Grimaldi’s for authentic Brooklyn pizza – I know there’s drama with Juliana’s next door, and I’m sure at some point I’ll have to do my due diligence and give them a shot, but for old-time’s sake, I stuck with the tried and true and ate an absurd amount of margherita pizza.

Eataly on 5th Ave and 23rd St – This is a great spot for authentic Italian eats. You can shop the market for pantry items or dine in at one of their many mini-restaurants throughout. We brought our Caffe Lavazza hot chocolate to the rooftop and enjoyed the warmth and the views. (Can you tell I have a thing for rooftops?)

Dominique Ansel Bakery on Spring St in SoHo – While I wasn’t about to wait in a two hour line at 7 am for the coveted and trendy cronut, I was thrilled to scoop up the lesser-known DKA, “Dominique’s Kouign Amann” (tender, flaky, croissant-like dough with a caramelized crunchy crust). Is your mouth watering yet? It should be. It was to die for.

The Kati Roll on MacDougal and Bleeker – I saved an old-time favorite for last. Jonny first introduced me to this tiny hole-in-the-wall Indian restaurant back in 2006 when he was interning in NYC. I dream of their chicken tikka rolls at night. It has just the right amount of spice and flavor without being overwhelming. This time around, Lyla introduced me to the Lassi, an Indian smoothie-like drink, which pairs perfectly with the kicky tikka rolls. There’s barely enough room to sit down in the restaurant, but I would eat standing up in the broom closet if I had to. ‘Cuz I’m classy like that.

What I Wore

I got way too distracted romping around the City with Lyla to plan any organized outfit photos. I’m pretty much the least-organized blogger when I get distracted. You’re a gem for sticking around my site as long as you have. This is why my readers are the best! Anyway, despite my lack of great outfit photos, I’ll do my best to showcase some of my favorite pieces that were perfect for a Fall getaway.

Comfort is a necessity when I’m doing any kind of traveling, but I still wanted to look put-together, so I chose to wear my black leather leggings with a simple black tee on the plane. I threw on this oversized wrap cardigan to stay warm once I touched down in NY. (Plus, it felt like I was wrapped up in a huge blanket on the plane!) I wore wedge booties that were easy to slip on and off through airport security and were surprisingly comfortable for a fair amount of city walking. And of course, I loaded up my favorite backpack with all my travel necessities for the trip.

Although our hotel was central to most of our daily activities, we didn’t want to have to go back to change throughout the day. I needed a chic trench to stay warm and carry my looks from day to night. My exact trench is BCBGeneration from Saks Off Fifth outlet, and no longer available online, so I linked to a similar one. I love this leopard print sweater from Old Navy. It perfectly transitioned from day to night by switching out my go-to denim for a faux-leather mini skirt.

The last look I managed to catch on camera was one of my favorites. I love a great Breton striped sweater, and I paired mine (which is old from Target, but I linked a very similar one below) with a faux-leather mini from H&M (another similar one also linked below). To keep warm, I layered some opaque black tights underneath and slipped into my flat over-the-knee leather boots (once again, mine are old, so I linked the ones I’m currently loving). I topped it all off with a lightweight longline coat in a dusty gray-blue.

There are a few pieces that didn’t make it into any blog-worthy outfit photos, but I want to share them with you. I found this scarf in the B.P. section at Nordstrom for only $20, and it instantly became one of my faves. It’s big and blankety (that’s a word, right?), but not heavy and bulky. I also loved wearing my Sam Edelman suede booties, but they didn’t appear in a single picture from the entire trip. How did that even happen? I scooped them up last year around this time at Nordstrom Rack, so they aren’t current anymore, but I linked a similar style. They go with everything. I basically lived in them for three months straight last Fall, and I see a similar pattern approaching this year. One of the very few things I purchased on this trip was this sleeveless turtleneck sweater dress in black (the “brick” color is also gorgeous). It was on clearance, and somehow I ended up getting it for $1.47. That’s not a typo. It was cheaper than my morning coffee. I wore it layered over a long sleeve tee while in NY, and later this week, I’ll show you how I’m wearing it here in no-hint-of-Fall Miami.

If you find yourself in NYC this Fall, I hope you check out some of these spots and let me know what you think! If you want more details or other recommendations, let me know. This was just a taste of our trip, but there’s much more where this came from. I hope you enjoyed following along!

No matter how many different pieces of clothing I have in my wardrobe, I feel like I always fall back on a handful of my favorites. I live and breathe in these go-to basics. They’re comfortable and practical, and I can still look chic while chasing after my headstrong preschooler and somewhat mobile little ambler. But even I get sick of the same tops and tees after a while. All it takes is a little tweaking to pull myself out of these “basics blues.”

I wear this gray sweater all. the. time. Probably once a week, at least. It’s almost embarrassing. It’s just a cheap knit from Forever 21 I scooped up YEARS ago, but it just pairs so well with anything from cut-off denim shorts and Converse to this faux leather pleated skirt and suede heels. And as much as I love shopping and picking up new pieces, it’s a good reminder that I don’t always need to be buying new things to have a fresh look. Sometimes you just need to breathe a little life into some older items to make them feel fresh and fun again.

I love the how a luxe faux leather can make this simple knit top look far more chic than it seems on the hanger. I threw on some statement baubles and suede heels and took the look from play date to date night.

Have you been successful in breaking out of the “basics blues?” What are some of your favorite ways to elevate your basics? I love hearing from you, so let me know! Here’s to a great weekend, friends!

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It’s so hard to fully enjoy all things Autumn when it’s pushing 90 degrees here in sunny South Florida. But I’m looking for every possible way to enjoy this season despite the Indian Summer temperatures. Earlier this week, I put up a few Fall decorations around the house and lit my favorite harvest scented candle. I’m even enjoying everyone’s favorite seasonal pumpkin spiced latte, even if mine happens to be iced. I’m making more soups and stews for dinner and cranking my a/c a little lower in an effort to convince myself that I need to be wrapped in my favorite blanket cardigan.

But despite my best efforts, as soon as I step outside, I’m reminded of the heat that’s still lingering in the air. Is it possible to enjoy Fall fashion like the rest of the country when it’s blisteringly hot outside here in Miami? I think it is, and there are a few ways I’m incorporating the season’s best into my wardrobe these days.

One way I’m sartorially shifting seasons is by changing my color palette. It’s a fact that year-round I’m drawn to neutrals and basics, but it’s especially true this season. Grays, nudes, blacks, and whites are always staple tones in my closet, but I’m consciously pulling in more muted tones and tints like this olive top. I’m also loving a great burgundy, navy, and even a bolder mustard yellow.

Another way I’m giving a nod to Fall is by incorporating some light layers and accessories, like this wool hat. I may not be ready to walk around with a chic trench coat in this weather, but I can get away with slipping a light cardigan over a top to add some layers.

As for footwear, I’m rotating out most of my sandals in exchange for my go-to lace up flats or booties. Even paired with a lightweight cotton dress, it’ll give the impression that I’m much more seasonally current with a suede bootie than with my summer flip flops.

One last way I’m fully embracing Autumn in this heat is by tweaking my beauty regimen a bit. This is the perfect time of year to try out that wine-colored lippie we’ve all been eyeing. Or those deeper eyeshadow shades that would look far too serious poolside. For more Fall beauty inspo, check this out.

So tell me, are you enjoying the Fall so far? What’s your favorite thing about the season? I love reading all your comments and messages, so keep them coming! Until next time, XO!

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*Note: the tops I linked come in olive green too, they’re just featured in different colors. Click the photos to see more color options for all the products!

When I was in grade school, I always had to wear uniforms. I guess I didn’t mind it too much since we had a lot of freedom when it came to choosing colors. But I specifically remember hating the culottes. They were these overly baggy not-shorts that barely grazed the top of my knees. They were unflatteringly puffy and always made me feel a bit like I was wearing lederhosen, but without the cool suspenders. When I graduated, I swore I would never wear those hideous things again. Well here I am, 20 years later, sticking my foot in my mouth. I’m happy to announce the arrival of the cool culotte.

I’ll admit, it took me half a minute to embrace this trend, as my initial impression triggered an “I don’t want to go to school today, Mom” reaction. But once I realized I didn’t have to create some sort of erupting volcano out of paper-mâché, I gave them a second glance.

Now, there are rules here, people. Don’t just grab any old gaucho and go. Look for a pair that’s structured and still manages to give you a little shape. You don’t want to lose your figure in a burlap potato sack, so it may be well worth it to get a pair tailored (as I did with mine). To keep them from looking frumpy, balance them with a more modern top. I tucked in this silky camisole tank and slipped into my favorite leopard heels. For those of you who are a little more fashionably bold, try your culottes with a modern crop top in a similar hue.

I love that mine are light and airy, and so easy to pair either with heels for an evening look or with my favorite lace-up flats (these are great too) for daytime errands. Not sold yet? Check out these bad mamma jammas in leather. They are seriously cool, and I’ve seen them make their way down many a Fall runway. I’ll take one in black and one in burgundy, please and thank you!

I linked all the pieces of my outfit (plus a few extra faves) below. You can shop them directly from there! So what do you think of this cool culotte trend? Think you can give it a try? If you do, remember to post on Instagram and tag me!

This past week was hard. Utterly exhausting. We’re currently in a stage where most weeks are pretty exhausting, actually. Kinda comes with the territory of having a head strong, brilliantly defiant preschooler and her gets-into-everything, sweet explorer of a brother. But this week was particularly defeating. Jonny recently started a new job, and we’ve all been adjusting to the schedule changes that come with it. He’s been gone on a business trip this past week, and I stayed behind to hold down the fort just three weeks after having our house broken into. I suppose I was as prepared as I could have been – scheduling every appointment, commitment, kid-approved meal, load of laundry, and show-and-tell prop – but somehow by Tuesday I already felt as if the rug had been pulled out from under me. I was constantly running late to everything. I screamed more than I spoke. I burned boxed macaroni and cheese. (Boxed macaroni and cheese! Who does that? And oh how Eva will not let me forget it.) I received a difficult phone call that brought me to my knees in prayer. But maybe that’s exactly where I needed to be.

As weary as I am, I’m so thankful for amazing friends who came and stood by me, spent time with me, played with my kids, and ate meals with me (just not the burnt macaroni). My VIPs. My home team.

I’m so ready for Jonny to walk in the door, even if he smells like airport or the chemically freshened interior of an Uber car. But there are some vignettes from this week that I’ll allow to linger a while in my mind, like sweet sleepovers with my girl in Mommy’s big bed and rocking with my boy until he falls asleep against my chest.

Well, it’s finally Friday, and now that Eva’s sticker chart declares that Jonny comes home today, I’m getting my date night look ready to go. This macaroni-burning mama needs to slip into some heels and eat my weight in sushi with my favorite man. I’m going with this super easy dove gray romper (that looks way more expensive than it is!), and my absolute favorite blue suede pumps. I’m draping this faux-leather jacket over in an attempt to convince myself that the weather outside matches the chilly a/c in the restaurant. The clutch is actually the result of an impromptu DIY I did a couple weeks ago. I covered an old beat up Zara bag with marble contact paper, and it came out shockingly well! It looks so convincing as a real leather (ok fine, faux vinyl) marble bag that I almost believe it myself! I’ll save those details for another post though, so make sure to check back soon!

I’m so glad you’ve stuck around long enough to see my blog turn a week old! They grow up so fast, don’t they? I’m really amazed by all the support and love you all have shown me as I’ve started this not so little project. You have no idea how encouraging your comments and messages have been to me. It’s kind of funny, actually. Some of you know that, while I’m currently a stay-at-home mom, I’m also a registered nurse. I haven’t been in practice for a while because of cross-country moves, hiring freezes, and, well, babies, but I do still have my toe dipped in the field of nursing. I remember when I first passed the boards, I suddenly had to start fielding all these bizarre questions from family and friends about every strange ailment ever to cause them affliction. What does it mean when my toes are purple? Is my blood pressure too high? My arms are two different lengths. I think I’m peeing through my nose! (That last example is a real one. You know who you are!) While I’m not fazed by these odd questions, I did feel completely inadequate answering them. Suddenly, I was seen as some kind of expert in the medical field. Did they realize I barely knew how to insert a 22 gauge butterfly needle and start up a saline drip? (My apologies to all my friends upon whose veins I forced my phlebotomy trial-and-error.) It took a while for me to feel comfortable in my new role as an authority in health and wellness, but as the awkwardness wore off, I was so glad that people felt comfortable enough to bring up these rather personal issues with me and allow me to help them in any way I could.

Well, I kind of feel like I’m back in a similar situation. The blog has been live for almost a week, and already so many of you have come to me with questions about wardrobes, trends, and fall runways. While I’m still breaking in my new role as Blogger, I’m humbled and flattered that you all have trusted me to answer your styling questions. Besides, directing you to try a new silhouette of pants, for example, has a much lower risk of adverse reactions and side effects. And admittedly, it is a little more fun to give advice about a flared denim than a flared sciatic. 😉

Speaking of new silhouettes, let’s talk about these flares. Runways, magazines, and bloggers everywhere are going bananas about the pre-fall season. I admit I’m completely and unapologetically a fan of fall. It became my favorite season during the years we lived in New York. I finally understood the excitement that everyone was talking about – the first chill in the air, the changing color of the leaves, the arrival of boots, coats, and scarves in every store front. I was SOLD! But these days, back in Miami, I have to enjoy the thrill of fall in different ways – pumpkin scented candles, seasonal lattes, and weather-appropriate fall trends. If you’ve peeked into a September issue of any magazine on the shelves or opened an email from almost any retailer, you may have noticed this season’s shift in the shape of denim. The flare is officially back. Before you roll your eyes, give this trend a try!

Keep it modern with a pair that’s dark washed and floor-grazing, and pair them with your highest heels or wedges. I decided to double up on the denim and tucked in a light chambray button down. Last step: hit play on a Van Halen playlist and jam until you’ve sufficiently embarrassed yourself. And your children.

Have you braved the flare trend? Leave me a comment and tell me how you chose to style it!

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We all know the feeling of rushing to get dressed in the morning. As a stay-at-home mom, it’s so tempting to just grab a pair of comfortable yoga pants and a tee with some trendy slogan on it and run out the door, but I beg you to fight the urge! There’s definitely an appropriate setting for yoga wear (like, uhh, yoga class), but you do not need to make it your default closet staple. You can just as easily pull your outfit together when you have a few simple go-to basics in stock. Here are my top ten essentials for any woman on the go:

A button-down blouse. I tend to stick to solids and neutrals, but feel free to play around with patterns and colors here. Try out a great plaid or a classy chambray, and don’t forget to roll up the sleeves for a more casual feel. Bonus – the button-down style makes easy access for nursing mamas. Chic and practical!

A knit tee. So, I’m not really reinventing the wheel here with the tee-shirt style, but look for more luxe fabrics or soft knits to add a boost of interest to an otherwise ho-hum look. Don’t hone in on high price tags either. You’d be surprised how an affordable tee can look much more expensive with the right fabric.

A high-neck tank. Remember how we talked about the frustration of keeping up with ever-changing trends? Here’s an example of a major shift in style as of late, but I’m really not mad about it. Necklines are rising higher and higher, making it much easier to look put-together and chic as you simply throw on a tank and go. This style tank looks great tucked into a fun skirt or more structured pant.

A skinny jean. Look, they’re everywhere, and they’re definitely not going away any time soon. But there’s a right way to wear them, and there’s a wrong. Find a pair that you feel great in. If you can strut the skin-tight look, you go mama! But remember, we don’t need to read the label on your underwear. Make sure the denim is thick and structured with a little stretch. You may initially have to pay a bit more for a great pair, but I promise it’s worth it. My favorite pair are Seven For All Mankind that I found at Nordstrom Rack for less than half the retail price. I think I got my money’s worth in the first 2 months of purchasing them. I also love my Paige denim. (they’re actually maternity, but you’d never know! Shhh!)

A slouchy boyfriend jean. Your skinnies need a break for the weekends, and sometimes this mama doesn’t feel like doing squats to get my pants on in the mornings. Pair these with a more structured blouse and a pointy-toe flat to keep it from looking sloppy. Casual is fine. Frumpy is not.

A cropped chino. We don’t always have the luxury of wearing denim, but you’ll feel just as relaxed in a great pair of not-khaki khakis. Look for a slim, skinnier fit that hits just above the ankle, and don’t be afraid to try out some fun prints and patterns here. Pair these with a simple cotton tee or high neck tank, and your look with be elevated far above the plain tee-and-jeans combo.

A cotton swing dress. You guys, it’s hot. And it’s not cooling off quite yet (or EVER in Miami. Sigh). It’s easy to look and feel comfortable with a great lightweight swing dress. I’m a sucker for a stripe, but it’s hard to go wrong with an easy dress like this. Transition it into the fall by layering on a great denim jacket or easy blazer. Done and done.

A lace-up ballet flat. I love heels, but they’re just not practical for my day-to-day lifestyle. Besides, it’s hard enough to keep my balance without a squirmy 20 pound ball of cuteness in my arms. I have been searching high and low for a phenomenal pair of lace-up flats that won’t cost three months of mortgage, and I finally found a pair that I can get on board with. These can be paired with almost anything, and they definitely add a bit of interest to my feet until they get their turn in some date-night heels.

A lightweight blazer. Throw this on over almost anything and you’re instantly chic. Even in your boyfriendliest denim, you’ll still be taken seriously with the right blazer. And don’t be afraid to try out colors and patterns here. I love a great blush blazer, and a navy can look just as chic in the evening as a black.

A bucket bag. Crossbody bags are still very relevant, but the bucket silhouette this season is such a fresh change to the typical boxy clutch. Try it in a light nude for that clean daytime look, or amp it up with a dark suede for a more luxe vibe.

So challenge yourself this week to put away those sweats and try dressing like a grown up. You’ll take yourself more seriously, and so will everyone else. Practice mixing and matching some of these basic outfit pieces together for endless combinations. And as always, remember to find what works for YOU. Leave a comment and tell me about your go-to basics!